Arsenal feels hot breath City after draw, Antony leads United to win

The Premier League is approaching a blood-curdling denouement as Arsenal has lost points for the second week in a row. Visiting West Ham United, the leaders gave away a game won: 2-2.

The Manchester United of Erik ten Hag, Wout Weghorst and Tyrell Malacia took over third place from Newcastle United, which went down 3-0 at Aston Villa on Saturday, through a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

After ten minutes, the spoils seemed to be in for Arsenal, after goals from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard. Until a little drama unfolded after halftime, especially for Bukayo Saka.

First Saïd Benrahma had scored the tying goal from the spot, then Arsenal also got a penalty. Saka took responsibility, but missed the excellent chance for 1-3. And a few minutes later a volley by Jarrod Bowen made it equal just like that.

That was extra sour for Saka, who also missed a penalty kick at a crucial moment in the final of the last European Championship. In the decisive series against Italy, Saka failed, after which England had also lost the final match immediately.

United coach Ten Hag was missing quite a few base players in Nottingham, including Malacia and striker Marcus Rashford. Nevertheless, it did not have much trouble with England’s number eighteen. Only from corner kicks did Forest create some danger.

Scott McKenna, for example, headed at the post. The visitors were much more dangerous, but were unlucky that goalkeeper Keylor Navas was in excellent form. The Costa Rican tapped great shots by Bruno Fernandes against the crossbar and the post. He also turned away a shot by Anthony Martial.

Antony, after his promising start of three goals in his first three Premier League games, had been dry for 15 league games in a row. The Brazilian ex-Ajacied had attempted 38 goals without scoring. From the rebound he opened the scoring against Forest and he gave the assist on Diogo Dalot’s second goal.

Weghorst joined United in the 71st minute to take a 1-0 lead. The striker received a yellow in injury time after a slapping move against Moussa Niakhaté.

Arsenal will remain on top for a few more weeks, as rival Manchester City does not play a league game next weekend due to FA Cup commitments, and Arsenal still has a chance against Southampton to run further ahead.Still

But on Wednesday, April 26, it’s City-Arsenal in Manchester. And that could well be a tipping point in the title race. Because Pep Guardiola’s team has some catch-up matches to play after that.